William McGregor Paxton

Marvin Mattelson · 08-29-2002, 12:29 AM

Beware! Heed my warnings, please. Don

Marvin Mattelson · 08-29-2002, 12:31 AM

I chose to display this portrait to illustrate, that even in spite of the poor quality and color in this reproduction, how the sensitive handling of his subject allows her spirit to magnificently shine through.

Marvin Mattelson · 08-29-2002, 12:37 AM

There is one book published on his work entitled "William McGregor Paxton" by Ellen W. Lee. It was published in conjunction with a show of his work and is relatively hard, yet not impossible, to find. I believe it's listed on the SOG book list.

Cynthia Daniel · 08-29-2002, 12:52 AM

Here's the Paxton page at Art Renewal Center.

Alicia Kornick · 08-29-2002, 12:12 PM

Marvin,

As I scrolled down and the face in the portrait was revealed, all I could say was, Oh My God! It is truly breathtaking. Her eyes, her everything, she is just striking. I can't imagine seeing it in person. I can imagine how, upon gazing at this portrait, I would be locked to the floor and unable to move for quite some time. What a gifted artist he was.

I must admit I have tried to find out more about him on the internet and did not find much there.

Thanks for posting these images and your thoughts.

Patrick Gillooly · 08-29-2002, 01:11 PM

Alicia,

..." I second that emotion"..

Marvin,

I can't seem to locate this book either. Does it have any reference to his technique, or is it purely biographical? The two examples you posted are indeed jawdroppers, it's just not fair!

Marvin Mattelson · 08-29-2002, 04:10 PM

Any references to his technique are incidental. I know that he worked wet into wet and built up his paintings in layers. The reproductions in the book are overall pretty good. I have been purchasing old Sotheby and Christies American Art auction catalogues at used bookstores and flea markets if they contain Paxton reproductions. I

Chris Saper · 08-29-2002, 06:49 PM

Please see http://www.portraitartist.com/bostonschool.htm for Ellen Lee's book.

Alicia Kornick · 08-29-2002, 08:01 PM

Marvin,

You don't have to shop auctions and old book fairs to find auction catalogs, unless of course you want to. I order Christie's and Sotheby's catalogs from www.catalogkid.com. I have gotten many beautiful catalogs from them at a very reasonable price and in pristine condition.

Marvin Mattelson · 08-29-2002, 10:29 PM

Thanks for the tip. I can purchase catalogs for between $5.00 and $15.00 at my venues. I can also preview the catalogs to see if they have plates worthy for purchase. I cut apart the catalogs, save the pages that inspire me and file them in separate portfolios for each artist. This and the ability to actually see the original paintings when they preview prior to the auction sale makes New York a very appealing place. Many of the paintings have been in private collections and have not been seen publicly for decades or more. Having access to this work is my greatest teacher.